Christina Miller

Tell us why you became a teacher

After retiring from the Army, I taught preschool swim lessons. One boy screamed every day, terrified of the water after nearly drowning. I learned he loved Woody from Toy Story, brought the toy, and we sat in the water together until trust replaced fear. Turns out, he was the principal’s son and told me I had a gift for reaching kids and urged me to become a teacher. Now I carry that lesson with me: build trust first, and students will believe they can do hard things.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I looped with one class for three years, and three students stayed with me from 6th to 8th grade. In 6th grade they were far below level. By 7th they reached grade level. By 8th, they were above level and in my honors class. I taught them to annotate, write, and analyze—and the growth proved the work mattered. The year they graduated, my husband was recovering from his stroke. At their graduation, they waved a giant flag with my face on it- in my honor. That moment reminded me why I teach.

What would you do with the $25,000?

This answer is about family. After my husband’s stroke in May 2025 at age 40, he was placed on disability. I work two jobs—middle school teacher by day and credential program professor by night—to keep our household stable so my children never feel our struggles. Even with careful budgeting, we’ve reached our limits. This support would help us regain stability and give my children, ages 6 and 9, the security and family time they deserve.